Oakland-based Mr. Espresso is finally opening their first brick-and-mortar cafe. Called The Caffè by Mr. Espresso, it will be located on the ground floor of The Key at 12th office tower at 1120 Broadway in downtown Oakland. An opening is anticipated this coming May.
Mr. Espresso was established by founder Carlo Di Ruocco and his wife, Marie Francoise, in 1978. Carlo leaned into his mechanical and electrical background and his strong Italian heritage to bring Italian coffee culture to the Bay Area, selling espresso machines and producing distinctive coffee using traditional wood roasting techniques. They are the only major U.S. coffee company to use traditional wood-roasting methods exclusively.
As one of the first full-service, coffee roasting retailers in the U.S., they’ve become a trusted supplier to noteworthy restaurants, cafes, bakeries and coffee houses across the nation. After nearly 45 years in the industry, they are excited to debut their first cafe. Carlo’s sons, Luigi and John Di Ruocco, and daughter, Laurence “Laura” Zambrano, are heading the new project, continuing in their parents’ footsteps.
“We can’t wait to introduce our coffee to those who might not know that Mr. Espresso has been an Oakland-based roaster for nearly 45 years and to welcome our long-time fans into our first brick-and-mortar space,” said Luigi in a press release. “We are honored to be a part of the rejuvenation efforts that are transforming downtown Oakland and excited to bring our modern take on the Italian caffè experience to the heart of City Center as workers and residents return to their routines.”
Spanning 1,200 square-feet, The Caffè by Mr. Espresso will face Broadway and is near the 12th Street BART station. It is expected to be the first retail project to open at The Key at 12th, a new 18-story office tower which incorporates the Key Systems Building, a national landmark, into its design. The development is a joint venture between Ellis Partners, a Northern California real estate investor and developer, and Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation.
For more information, visit mrespresso.com.
